So for a while I have been saying I am going to raise money for Chums and a few weeks ago an advert for a half marathon popped up on social media, and before i knew it or thought of a reason why not i signed up and the training has begun.

If you asked me 4 years ago, who Chums were i wouldn't of had a clue, i would never have thought they would come to our rescue when as a family we needed support, advice, experience, reassurance, kindness, and frankly just to pick us back up when we were completely lost. We as a family will be forever in debt to them for there  support, that we still receive to this day. Whether  that be a attending a workshop, monthly bug club meetings, remembrance services, or just simply a phone call or email for advice when things have took a bump along the road of grief and bereavement. 

For those who don't know our story back in May 2016 i took a phone call one late Friday evening that would change my 9 year old son Masons life forever and turn our world as a family upside down.  Masons dad my ex  partner David had taken his own life.  How do you tell a 9year that there Dad has died, let alone explain suicide. I desperately googled  helplines but quickly realised being bank holiday weekend no one would be available till Tuesday, i needed help at that moment not in a few days!. That help came in the form of Caroline from CHUMS, a friend of friend managed to get me her contact details, without hesitation Caroline called, visited over that bank holiday weekend, going above and beyond her job role.  She gave us advice on how to tell Mason, guided us through the funeral, and was just there whenever we needed in those early days. Mason  attended his  first workshop in November 2016 and left smiling for the first time in months, in his own words 'mum i met people just like me'. 

Mason has found a support network through chums, he has met other children bereaved by suicide, who he can share experiences with, but also have fun with. We know their will be more tricky times ahead as we reach the teenage years, but we feel less apprehensive knowing chums have our back.

So that is why in September i'll run the Bedford half marathon. To give a little back to a charity who have done so much for us and also help them continue to do the same for other families.

No donation to little or small every little helps. Help me get to the finish line on September 6th having raised money for a fantastic charity. 

*Due to covid the Bedford half marathon has been cancelled. I have decided go ahead virtually with the run on the 19th September 2020! X

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